Streams of Christianity

1 Streams of Christianity Harvard University Introduction My exploration of the Streams of Christianity Handout became a journey of sailing through the maze of various streams of ideas, customs, and teachings of Christianity. The lecture life of each stream was unique in the sense that either their perspective was the same or different, and they were emphasizing the different angles of faith and spirituality. Recalling my experiences, I discovered that these streams are intertwined with my own life and affect how I view Christianity. My very first introductions to Christianity developed around the Evangelical stream. The aspect of the personal conversion, the Bible as the final authority and evangelism presented a great deal of truth for me and they are in accordance with my religious heirs (Culhane, 2021). To me, this sect had purity and distinctiveness supported by the seriously intense group worship. Eventually, as I experienced growth in my faith, I aspired to an exploration of a deeper Christian spirituality which was beyond the limiting confines of Evangelicalism. The Charismatic stream, which gives prominence to Spirit's roles, i.e. active role and spiritual gifts, has made a more meaningful way to answer the questions. The energy and immediacy of other expressions of worship made me aware of the range of spiritually oriented experiences in Christianity like none other. My prayer was answered and I discovered myself getting involved with the attractive worship services and the insistence on the experiential encounters with God. The Charismatic stream did not only try to set me up into more intense style of faith, but it also enabled me to understand other aspects of worshiping in the church like speaking in tongues and interpreting mysteries. 2 Moreover, I also found myself engaging in the Contemplative stream, the path that underscores the power of silence, reflection, and prayer. My journey of the inner self led me to a profound realization of the impact of the contemplation practices on deepening my relationship with God in the midst of my never-ending activities of life and its noise (Pryce & Paula, p 159). I was able to connect deeply with ancient religious disciplines like lectio divina and centering prayer which gave me feelings of calmness, and spiritual enrichment. Looking back at my own experience, I now understand that my spiritual walk is not a one-road route but rather a junction where different Christian currents join in. Meanwhile, I not only keep admiring the evangelistic Spirit of their attempt to preach the Gospel but also charismatic practices in which people are filled with the Holy Spirit, but also, I am constantly attracted to the contemplative environment, where I may be in the presence stillness and silence of God. Comprehending the variances of Christianity did not only give my spiritual path more flavor but also aided me to talk to other Christians. Recognizing that there is no one portrait of Christianity has brought about a sense of openness and tolerance towards others who believe differently and practice differently than I do. Rather than considering theological differences as separating agents, I am able to view them as engines for discussion and mutual learning. Furthermore, the introduction of the contrasting streams has got me to challenge the ways in which Christianity is spread in the contemporary media. Apart from considering Christianity as a single entity, I come to realize that different streams have brought about many shades in movies, which I can appreciate. Through this sophisticated comprehension, I can use the literary resources to present Christianity with critical and empathetic intelligence, considering the complexities of the religious tradition. 3 In conclusion, streams of Christian exploration have become the most valuable journey, which has led to a deeper insight into my faith and stimulated my contacts with other Christians. Looking forward at the classical currents of the Christian spirituality course, I realize that the time I am allotted is worth it as I will be going through the journey with the fellow believers from different streams with the idea of finding the presence and love of God. . References Culhane, Rob (2021) "Evangelicalism and Spiritual Direction: Compatibility and Completion." https://www.crucibleonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Reoredered-Rob-C-articlefinal.pdf Pryce, Paula. "Charisma in Christianity." Routledge International Handbook of Charisma. Routledge, 2020. 151-162. 4